Between 2005-2020, 60 farmers participated in the New Entry incubator program.  This infographic shares results of a survey of graduates and farmer focus groups to share information about program outcomes, and successes and challenges for beginning farmers as they transitioned off the incubator program.

This multi-level survey tool is designed to assist IFPs in identifying and evaluating core non-production skills by focusing on outcomes necessary for farmers to run their own farm businesses after graduating from the IFP. NIFTI’s hope is that this specific tool can support your project in providing the best opportunities for success possible for your participants during the time you have with them, and gently guide your project towards measuring a set of core skills that have been determined to be of particular importance to successful commercial farmers. Our vision is that IFP’s can focus their training on core skills that are realistically achievable given time and resource constraints, and work to connect participants with the mentors and communities that will supplement learning on the IFP and support them as they grow.

The calculator tool, also available below, can be used by program staff to aggregate individual farmer responses in order to complete the Incubator Farm Project Report. 

The NIFTI Guide to Metrics and Evaluation for Farm Incubator Projects provides the staff of land-based beginning farmer training programs with the knowledge, tools, and resources to create rigorous evaluation protocols for their organizations. With suggestions, guidelines, and over 65 pages of appendices including sample surveys, class evaluations, and more, compiled with the help of dozens of farm incubators throughout North America, this guide will help you tell the world all about the amazing and impactful work you do supporting new and beginning farmers.

Self evaluation form from the Intervale Center, which asks farmers to report on financial goals, production goals, and organic certification.

Beginning farmer survey written by Agricultural Land Based Training Association (ALBA) to confidentially learn how farmers are doing after receiving one year of services from ALBA. Survey includes questions on experience with ALBA, growing practices, and business finances.

A 144-point skills assessment from the New American Sustainable Agriculture Program (NASAP) in ME used to evaluate farmer progress. This simple, but comprehensive tool uses pictures and straightforward questions to find out how farmers are progressing towards meeting their learning goals.

A simple excel spreadheet that helps farmers track their production totals for individual markets and by crop. Provided by Beth LaShell at the Old Fort Market Garden Incubator in Fort Lewis, CO.

The National Incubator Farm Training Initiative has compiled the knowledge and experience of dozens of farm incubator projects across the U.S. to bring you the first edition of the NIFTI Farm Incubator Toolkit; a comprehensive guide to starting and operating land-based beginning farmer training programs.